Is Vaastu Shastra really effective?

Vaastu Shastra is one of the ancient teachings from the Indian civilization. It is connected with the science of the architecture and tells how a building should be planned to channelize the positive energies such as solar energy, lunar energy, water energy, fire energy and earth energy in our lives. Vaastu does not limit to only our homes but offices, colleges, hospitals, recreation spots such as theatres, malls everywhere it has branched out.

Vaastu is essentially a fundamental architectural guidance. In early stages of civilisation, men would go in for basic guidelines such as span of the roof (height of the house), width of the house depending on numbers of people living in the house: let’s say ten children and six adults. There were no architectures then……so guidelines were then very basic. People then knew that for physical growth and for psychological growth of people living in t he house, the house should have good ventilation, bright sunlight (hence the direction) and water bodies nearby say a well or a pond. People then took the weather conditions the temperatures into consideration and I suppose that was practicing the so called vaastu shastra (science). Without knowledge of vaastu the olden day’s houses were built on few basic tips.

Depending on the topography, climatic conditions and beliefs each city, state, country has different thumb rules of vastu. Today, people are stretching the concept of vastu too far, to such an extent that it is beyond logic and realism. Instead of using the basic tips we are practicing unbelievable rules under the name of vaastu shastra. All kinds of rubbish things are practiced because of fear of losing things and when fear rules, you can make science out of everything.

The science of vaastu: Indian civilization is the oldest in the world and has a rich heritage of developing different branches of science. Vastu Shastra is one such discipline that developed over the years based on the traditional knowledge based on the natural elements. The age old Indian philosophers knew a lot about the five elements that made the universe: sun, moon, air, earth and space. The olden day’s rishis (sages) had knowledge about the gravitational forces, magnetic field, the position of the earth, velocity of the winds, ultraviolet rays, the intensity and volume of rainfall etc. When houses are built on the basis of application of this knowledge, they are considered scientific. The five elements of the nature need to be synchronized with the five elements of the human body as well. This coordination is important for happy living.

The elements can determine the way particular directions interact with particular objects or certain kinds of people. Vaastu considered the relationship of the five elements to maintain equilibrium of it with our style of living. Therefore, they influence our deeds, luck, behavior and other basics of life. This is how vastu runs into astrology, numerology and face reading.

Vaastu is mostly based on directions: The kitchen is preferable in south-east direction. In India, we are subject to South West winds, and kitchen is the place where we regularly cook and spend time. To avoid the impact of South west winds, the kitchen is placed in south-east direction and bedroom is the place where we spend a great deal of time. Circulation of air aids in a healthier and happier life and mindset. Hence, it’s advised to have the bedroom south-west facing. The sitting room or hall should be in northern direction. The toilet is preferable in south-east direction and bathroom in north-east direction. The west direction of the house is suitable for dining hall. The eastern and northern sides are suitable for balconies.

When your house is not built as per vaastu: But what happens when your house is not built as per vaastu science? I have seen umpteen cases where people lived in houses which had nothing to do with vaastu, but they have progressed in life, they lived longer lives, they prospered and did well. I think nothing happens outside of you. Everything is happening within you. Your consciousness includes your thinking, desire, and willpower of mind and all that is. When vaastu or how your house is not in your control, have faith in your own self. Because the moment you feel not being in control, you are creating an illusion – an illusion of bad luck, ill health, failure, sadness etc, etc. You are the director, script writer of your life. I know two things are most important for any house/workplace: cleanliness and clutter less housekeeping. Have greenery (indoor plants) in possible places, have nice pastel shades of paint on wall and nicely colored tapestry and curtains. You will have positivity in your house.

Main door: Pay little attention to the main door of your house; the main door of a house is not only the entry point for the family but also for energy. It brings happiness and good luck. It is a conversion zone because it lets in or keeps out the cosmic (outer space) energy flow that promotes health, wealth and happiness. The main door creates an impression of people occupying the house. The direction of main door preferably is north, north-east, east or west. But, if you don’t have it in this direction, do not panicky. Always have a bright light at the entrance and the main door should be well-lit in the evenings. Decorate the entrance with green plants, if there is space and keep it always without any obstacles in the way. Always put up a name plate. Identity is important.

One of the pragmatic vastutadnya: However, to have basic yet practical knowledge of the subject, I seek advice from Mr. Asif Kaskar. I ask him lot of questions and reasons for the do’s and don’ts. Asif gives sensible and reasonable answers. He does not like to over blow the concepts. I trust my vibes with him. He never asks to demolish or destroy anything in the house. He has a pragmatic view of vaastu and even he says ‘’you are the director and script writer of your life. All control buttons are within you’’. Though we call vaastu a science (shastra) it factually is an art of living.

Over the course of my life, I have done all possible jobs that one can think of – front desk assistant, telephone operator, clerical work, accounts assistant, inventory officer, sales woman, sales manager, tutor, lecturer, professor, director...etc. The range of job designations and experience of working in diverse roles has given me strength to think, help people, increase customer satisfaction, promote products, and off course build brands. When I look back at my career, in some jobs I excelled, in some I continued with odds. But the fact is that the diversity in my career has strengthened me as a person and definitely enhanced my skills. Every job taught me something or the other.
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A Professor with 15 years of teaching and 20 years industry experience. My core teaching areas are Marketing Strategy and General Management. While I am a Professor of Marketing and General Management, I have also worked as Director of few Management Institutes in Mumbai.